Deadly Delta variant of COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in Arizona

[TexasTowelie]

Although COVID-19 hospitalizations are down, genetic sequencing and a recent outbreak in Maricopa County has shown the highly transmissible Delta variant of the virus is beginning to take hold in the Grand Canyon state, making up more than one in every five infections in June and accelerating rapidly.

Arizona was among the early leaders in vaccination rates, but efforts to inoculate the state’s residents has plateaued since May. Now, with Arizona lagging the nation in vaccinations, the state is currently averaging approximately 500 new cases of COVID-19 a day, several times greater than more populated states like New York and Massachusetts, which are averaging between 80 to 130 cases per day.

Among the cases of COVID that are appearing in the state is a new variant of the virus known as B.1.617.2, also known as the Delta variant, which is believed to have originated in India.

Genetic sequencing data done by Arizona-based TGen shows that the Delta variant made up about 3% of the Arizona samples that were genetically sequenced in May. By the end of June, that number had shot up to 21%.

Read more: https://www.azmirror.com/2021/07/09/deadly-delta-variant-of-covid-19-is-spreading-rapidly-in-arizona/

[wnylib]

1. Very bad news for me for personal reasons.

My last living uncle out of 15 of them, who is also my godfather and in his 90s, lives in Maricopa County. His health and previous zest for life have declined in the last 3 years since the death of his wife, so I know he doesn't have much longer to live. But I would hope that he could die peacefully without the suffering of covid. At his age, with failing health, he is vulnerable although vaccinated.

Two of his sons, nearer to my age, also live there. One son and his wife have moved in with him to look after him while they are building a new house for themselves. I hope he remains safe and does not die alone in a hospital isolation room.

[TexasTowelie]

2. So sorry to read that news.

I hope that they are blessed with good fortunes.

[wnylib]

4. Thank you. it is my hope, too.

[Blues Heron]

3. why does every article on Delta have to mention the country of origin?

It was specifically given a greek letter to avoid just that type of labeling. Are they that stupid in the news business these days or are they being deliberately obtuse?